Labour has gained a seat on Kidsgrove Town Council after Angela Cooper defeated Reform UK’s Olivia Westcott by just 26 votes.
Voters in Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe went to the polls on Thursday 6th August to elect a new town councillor after the seat was declared vacant several weeks ago.
The result is a notable success for Labour following the party’s heavy losses in May’s local elections, when it retained just two of the 44 seats on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
It is also one of the more ironic by-election results of recent years: had Reform UK candidate Olivia Westcott signed her declaration of acceptance of office within the required timeframe after being elected uncontested in May, the by-election would never have taken place.
Westcott said at the time that a family emergency had prevented her from completing the paperwork before the deadline. She stood again for Reform UK but was narrowly defeated by Labour’s Angela Cooper.
Independent candidate Georgia Shenton finished third, with Conservative candidate Cressida Dickens in fourth place.
Turnout was 16.9%. You can see the full result below:
Speaking to The Staffordshire Signal following her victory, Cooper said:
“What a result — I’m thrilled and incredibly grateful to everyone who put their trust in me.
“It was a really positive campaign, and I want to say a huge thank you to my campaign team for all their hard work, commitment and support throughout. They’ve been brilliant.
“We spoke to hundreds of residents, and those conversations — and every single vote — really mattered. The ward takes some covering, with its steep hills and long streets. It’s been physically challenging at times, but it’s been worth every step.
“Having previously served as Mayor of Kidsgrove Town Council, it feels very special to be back, this time representing Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe ward.
“My time as an NHS Senior Matron has also given me experience of leadership, getting results, managing budgets and making sure public money is used wisely and delivers the best possible value.
“Now the campaign is over, it’s time to roll up my sleeves and get to work. My first council meeting is this week and I genuinely can’t wait.
“There’s such a lot to do, and I intend to bring energy, common sense and a determination to get things done. The hard work starts this week — and that’s exactly how I like it.”
The Staffordshire Signal spoke to candidates before polling day as part of our coverage of the election. You can read more about each of them here.
